Getting started

Join a club

Joining a hunting club is a great way to pick up tips and skills from experienced hunters. Hunting clubs often provide opportunities for learner hunters to join an organised hunt and see what it’s all about.

Take a course

Advice for beginners and families

Hunting can be a family affair. It is an excellent way to get into the outdoors with your family, and you can teach kids about how to be responsible in the outdoors and with firearms. Age or gender should not be a barrier. Go with people you trust and people who trust you.

Go when fine weather is forecast - this is critical if the trip involves river crossings

Hunt responsibly

Kauri Dieback

If you are hunting in areas with kauri, it’s important you know what to do to help stop the spread of kauri dieback.

When to hunt

While there are year round opportunities for hunting, certain times of the year may influence what and where you choose to hunt. Summer means warmer and more settled weather, but it also means more trampers and other recreational users are around. The "roar" is popular for hunting stags and more hunters venture out at this time.

See what to hunt for information, including the best times of the year for hunting specific species.

Getting there

Walk in from road ends, or hire a helicopter to reach more isolated areas. Each region has rules about where helicopters can land, so make sure you approach the local visitor centre or area office and talk to staff about helicopter landing regulations.

Be aware that many areas are surrounded by private land, and access is only at the permission of those landowners. It is the hunter’s responsibility to arrange access with private landowners before setting out.

Backcountry huts and campsites

New Zealand has over 900 backcountry huts and more than 80 backcountry campsites offering a range of facilities.

Many hunters take advantage of basic huts or bivvies which are free to stay in, some of which may have a meat safe and/or dog kennels located away from the hut. Where rifle racks are installed, use them to secure your weapons.

Clean up animal waste

Rubbish must be removed, and offal and carcasses must not be left in or near visitor facilities (including tracks, campsites and huts) or waterways. Burying animal waste is the best method of disposal, so take a small shovel. Bury it well away from tracks, huts, campsites and waterways.

Keep your catch safe for eating

The Ministry for Primary Industries provides information about how to keep your catch safe for eating, and also the regulations on trading homekill and recreational catch. There are specialist game butchers in many parts of New Zealand who can turn your kill into steaks, sausages, burgers, etc.

Hunting brochure

The hunting in conservation areas brochure provides general information about recreational hunting in conservation areas, including the species you can hunt, what permits you need, and safety information when you’re out in the bush.